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Adams 14 Advances Student and Environment Health

Adams 14 Retrofits Buses to Improve Student and Environmental Health

Release Date: 05/04/2010

Adams 14 has retrofitted 13 District buses with new crankcase filtration systems and engine pre-heaters to reduce idle times, emissions and fuel costs. The results will be healthier students and drivers as well as a cleaner environment while buses take students to and from school.

Thomas Tucker, the district’s lead mechanic, oversaw the improvements, which were made this month through a partnership with the Denver-Based Regional Air Quality Council’s Clean Air Fleets Program, a public-private initiative that helps diesel operators reduce vehicle emissions while saving money. The program receives funding support from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Highway Administration.

“Our newly outfitted buses will have a less detrimental impact on riders and the environment,” Tucker said. As a result of the retrofits, the District should save approximately 1,100 gallons of fuel annually and reduce 12 tons per year of greenhouse gases from the environment including one ton per year of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide.

Steve McCannon, program manager for the Regional Air Quality Council believes public schools are an important partner. “District leadership and participation has been critical to the success of the program,” he said. “We have been amazed at school districts’ dedication to protecting the health of children.”

Adams 14 is pursuing opportunities to retrofit additional District buses in the future.